Baldini to leave England after EURO qualifiers

The Football Association have confirmed England general manager Franco Baldini is to leave his post at the end of England's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign. A close confidant of coach Fabio Capello, Baldini has been used as the main contact with England players but it has long been speculated that he would like to take the offer of a job with Serie A outfit Roma. That will now happen, although it is possible that Baldini could be used on a one-off basis for a friendly against an as yet unnamed opponent in February and also at EURO 2012 should England qualify. Capello said: "Franco has been given a good opportunity by Roma but I am happy he will stay with me and the England team until after the qualification programme. "For me, this is very important. We can decide after this if Franco will be with us for the European Championships." The FA have confirmed Baldini will remain in his post until that qualification programme is complete, even if two matches in November are involved, although if passage is secured by then, he will be allowed to leave. FA chairman David Bernstein told the FA's website: "We respect his decision to accept the offer from Roma. "I would like to thank Franco for the professional way in which he has handled this and maintained his sole commitment to working with Fabio and the team until after the qualifying games."